Useful Phrases for Tourists in Senegal

Senegal is a place of warm markets, lively streets, and beaches where a few phrases can open doors and spark smiles. Whether you’re bargaining in Dakar, ordering food in Saint-Louis, or asking for directions in a small village, a little language goes a long way.

There are 56 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Senegal, ranging from Call the police to You’re welcome. Each entry is organized with Wolof translation,French translation,Pronunciation (phonetic) — you’ll find below.

How can I practice pronunciation so locals understand me?

Listen and mimic: play the pronunciation column aloud, slow it down on your phone, and repeat. Focus on clear, steady pacing rather than perfect accent; most people appreciate the effort. Pair the phonetic guide with short practice sessions each day before heading out.

Which phrases should I learn first for safety and politeness?

Start with basics: greetings, please/thank you, numbers, and directions, then add emergency lines like Call the police and polite replies like You’re welcome. Prioritize phrases you’ll use most often and keep a small printed or saved list for quick reference.

Useful Phrases for Tourists in Senegal

English phrase	Wolof translation	French translation	Pronunciation (phonetic)
Hello	Salaam aleekum	Bonjour / Salut	sah-LAHM ah-lay-KOOM
How are you?	Na nga def?	Comment ça va?	nan-gah-DEF
I’m fine, thank you.	Maangi fi rekk, jërëjëf.	Je vais bien, merci.	MAHN-gee fee rek, je-re-JEF
Peace only	Jaam rekk	La paix seulement	jahm-REK
What is your name?	Naka nga tudd?	Comment tu t’appelles?	NA-ka nan-gah TOOD
My name is…	… laa tudd.	Je m’appelle…	… lah TOOD
Pleased to meet you.	Ràfet nañu ci yaw.	Enchanté(e) de vous rencontrer.	ra-FET na-nyoo chee YOW
Thank you	Jërëjëf	Merci	je-re-JEF
You’re welcome	Ñoo ko bokk	De rien / Je vous en prie	n’yoh-koh-BOK
Please	Su la neexee	S’il vous/te plaît	soo-lah-NAY-hay
Excuse me / Sorry	Baal ma	Excusez-moi / Pardon	BAAL mah
Yes	Waaw	Oui	WOW
No	Déedéet	Non	DAY-dayt
I don’t understand	Dëgguma	Je ne comprends pas	DEUG-oo-mah
Do you speak English?	Ndax dégg nga Angale?	Parlez-vous anglais?	n’DAKH dayg-nga ahn-GA-lay
I don’t speak Wolof	Wolofuma	Je ne parle pas Wolof	woh-loff-oo-mah
Goodbye	Mangi dem	Au revoir	MAHN-gee dem
Good morning	Jaam nga fanaane?	Bonjour	jahm-nga-fa-NAAN
Good afternoon	Jaam nga yendoo?	Bonjour	jahm-nga-yen-DOH
Good night	Fanaanal ak jaam	Bonne nuit	fa-naan-AL ak JAHM
How much is this?	Ñaata la?	C’est combien?	N’YAH-tah lah
It’s too expensive	Seer na lool	C’est trop cher	SAYR-nah-LOLE
Lower the price	Wàññi ko	Baissez le prix	WAH-n’yee koh
What is the final price?	Ñaata mooy mujj?	C’est quoi le dernier prix?	n’yah-tah moy MOODJ
I’ll take it	Jël naako	Je le prends	jel-NAH-koh
I’m just looking	Dama doon seet rekk	Je regarde seulement	da-mah-dohn-sayt-REK
Where is…?	Ana …?	Où est…?	ah-nah …?
Where is the toilet?	Ana wanag bi?	Où sont les toilettes?	ah-nah wah-NAG bee
I want to go to…	… laa bëgg dem	Je veux aller à…	… lah beug dem
Stop here, please	May ma fii	Arrêtez-vous ici, s’il vous plaît	my-mah-FEE
Turn right	Dajal ndeyjoor	Tournez à droite	da-jal n’day-JOOR
Turn left	Dajal càmmooñ	Tournez à gauche	da-jal chah-MONE
Straight ahead	Jëlal kanam	Tout droit	jel-al ka-NAM
The bill, please	Indil ma addition bi	L’addition, s’il vous plaît	in-DEEL mah ad-dee-see-OHN bee
I’m hungry	Dama xiif	J’ai faim	da-mah-HEEF
I’m thirsty	Dama mar	J’ai soif	da-mah-MAR
The menu, please	Menu bi, su la neexee	Le menu, s’il vous plaît	MEH-noo bee, soo-lah-NAY-hay
It was delicious!	Neex na lool!	C’était délicieux!	NAYKH-nah-LOLE
Water	Ndox	De l’eau	n’DOKH
Without meat	Bëgguma yaapp	Sans viande	beug-oo-mah YAH-p
Spicy / Hot	Saf na	Piquant / Fort	saf-nah
There is no problem	Amul solo	Il n’y a pas de problème	ah-mool SO-lo
Help!	Wóoy! / Wallu!	Au secours! / À l’aide!	WOY! / wah-LOO
I need a doctor	Sopp naaj doktoor	J’ai besoin d’un médecin	sop-nahj doc-TOOR
Call the police	Wool leen police bi	Appelez la police	wohl-lehn-poh-LEES-bee
I’m lost	Dama réer	Je suis perdu(e)	da-mah-RARE
One	Benn	Un	BEN
Two	Ñaar	Deux	n’YAAR
Three	Ñett	Trois	n’YET
Five	Juróom	Cinq	joo-ROAM
Ten	Fukk	Dix	FOOK
One hundred	Téeméer	Cent	tay-MAYR
One thousand	Junni	Mille	JOO-nee
Money	Xaalis	L’argent	KHA-liss
Today	Tey	Aujourd’hui	TAY
Tomorrow	Suba	Demain	SOO-bah

Descriptions

Hello

The standard Arabic greeting used throughout Senegal. It’s polite and universally understood. The correct response is “Maaleekum salaam” (And peace be upon you).

How are you?

This is the most common way to ask someone how they are. It shows you’re making an effort to connect beyond basic transactions and will be warmly received.

I’m fine, thank you.

The standard response. “Maangi fi” means “I am here” (implying “I’m okay”), and “rekk” means “only” or “just.” It’s a positive and common reply.

Peace only

The universal response to most greetings that ask about your well-being. It reflects the deep cultural importance of peace and tranquility in Senegal.

What is your name?

A friendly question to ask when getting to know someone. Senegalese people are generally very open and appreciate this kind of polite interaction.

My name is…

You place your name at the beginning of the phrase. It’s a simple and direct way to introduce yourself after you’ve been asked for your name.

Pleased to meet you.

A very polite and warm expression to use after introductions. It conveys genuine pleasure in meeting someone and is a great way to make a good impression.

Thank you

Possibly the most important Wolof word to learn. Using it sincerely will be greatly appreciated and will almost always bring a smile.

You’re welcome

Literally means “we share it,” reflecting the communal spirit of Senegalese “teranga” (hospitality). It’s a beautiful and common response to “Jërëjëf.”

Please

While not used as frequently as in English, it’s a polite addition when making a request, especially in more formal settings or with elders.

Excuse me / Sorry

Use this to get someone’s attention, to apologize if you bump into them, or to politely interrupt a conversation. It’s a versatile and useful phrase.

Yes

A simple and essential word. Use it clearly in response to questions to avoid any confusion during your interactions.

No

Another essential word. Saying it politely is key. It can often be softened with a gentle shake of the head or a polite hand gesture.

I don’t understand

A very useful phrase when you’re lost in a conversation. People are generally patient and will try to rephrase or use gestures to help you understand.

Do you speak English?

A key question to ask when you’re struggling with Wolof or French. Many people in tourist areas and cities speak some English.

I don’t speak Wolof

A simple way to communicate your language limitations. It’s often followed by asking if they speak French (“Parlez-vous français?”) instead.

Goodbye

This literally means “I am going.” It’s a common and polite way to signal your departure from a conversation, a shop, or a home.

Good morning

A morning-specific greeting, asking “Did you spend the night in peace?” The standard response is the ever-useful “Jaam rekk” (Peace only).

Good afternoon

An afternoon greeting, asking “Did you spend the day in peace?” Again, the expected and polite response is “Jaam rekk.”

Good night

A warm way to wish someone a good night’s sleep, literally meaning “Spend the night with peace.”

How much is this?

The most important phrase for shopping and taxis. Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi or finalizing a purchase at a market.

It’s too expensive

Your primary tool for bargaining in the markets. Say it with a friendly smile, not aggressively. It’s the expected start of a friendly negotiation.

Lower the price

A more direct request to lower the price. Use it after the initial “Seer na lool” to continue the friendly bargaining process.

What is the final price?

Use this when you are ready to buy but want to make one last attempt at a better price. It signals you’re a serious buyer.

I’ll take it

Use this phrase to confirm that you have agreed on a price and you want to purchase the item.

I’m just looking

A polite way to browse in a shop or market stall without pressure. It tells the vendor you’re not ready to buy yet but are enjoying their goods.

Where is…?

A fundamental question for navigating. Just insert the name of the place you’re looking for, such as “Ana marché Kermel?” (Where is Kermel market?).

Where is the toilet?

An essential question when you’re out and about. Public toilets can be scarce, so it’s good to ask in restaurants, cafes, or hotels.

I want to go to…

State your destination clearly to the taxi driver. For example, “Plateau laa bëgg dem” means “I want to go to Plateau.”

Stop here, please

A clear and simple way to tell your taxi driver or “car rapide” driver that you have reached your destination and want to get out.

Turn right

Useful if you are guiding a driver who is unsure of the final few turns to your guesthouse or a specific location.

Turn left

The counterpart to turning right. Knowing both can be very helpful when navigating the smaller streets of a city like Dakar or Saint-Louis.

Straight ahead

Useful for giving or understanding simple directions from locals. It literally means “take forward.”

The bill, please

A clear way to ask for the check at the end of your meal in a restaurant or café.

I’m hungry

A useful phrase to express your need for food. Senegalese are very hospitable and will be quick to help you find something delicious to eat.

I’m thirsty

Similar to expressing hunger, this tells people you need a drink. Perfect for a hot day when you need some water, bissap, or bouye juice.

The menu, please

The first step to ordering in any restaurant. A simple and polite request that will be easily understood.

It was delicious!

A wonderful compliment to give to the cook or your host. It’s a great way to show appreciation for the meal and is a hallmark of good manners.

Water

An essential word. Always specify bottled water (“ndox mu sedd” for cold water) to be safe. Staying hydrated is crucial in the Senegalese climate.

Without meat

Important for vegetarians. This literally means “I don’t want meat.” Be clear, as many traditional dishes like Thieboudienne are based on fish or meat.

Spicy / Hot

Senegalese food can have a kick. Use this to ask if a dish is hot, or say “Bëgguma lu saf” (I don’t want something spicy) if you prefer milder food.

There is no problem

A fantastic, reassuring phrase you’ll hear often. It embodies the relaxed Senegalese “teranga” (hospitality) and positive, problem-solving attitude.

Help!

Wóoy! is a general cry of alarm. Wallu! more specifically means “help me!” Use them loudly and clearly in a genuine emergency.

I need a doctor

A critical phrase for medical situations. People will quickly guide you to the nearest “clinique” (clinic) or “hôpital” (hospital).

Call the police

Important for security issues. Locals can help you contact the right authorities quickly if you find yourself in trouble.

I’m lost

Don’t panic if you lose your way. Senegalese people are incredibly helpful; just ask someone for directions using this phrase, and they will likely assist you.

One

The first and most basic number. Useful for ordering one coffee or one baguette.

Two

Useful for ordering two of something or confirming a quantity in the market.

Three

Keep these first few numbers handy for simple counts when shopping or ordering.

Five

A key number, as many things are counted or grouped in fives.

Ten

Knowing this helps in understanding prices and counting money.

One hundred

Crucial for handling money, as the local currency (CFA Franc) is often counted in hundreds.

One thousand

Essential for understanding prices for taxis, hotels, and larger market purchases, often quoted in thousands of CFA.

Money

An important word to know, especially when shopping, bargaining, or dealing with transport fares.

Today

A useful time-related word for making plans, confirming appointments, or understanding schedules.

Tomorrow

Another key word for planning, whether for booking a tour, arranging a taxi, or meeting someone.

Useful Phrases for Tourists in Other Countries